Slide locking motorcycle kick arm

ABSTRACT

A slide locking kick arm includes a shaft connectable to an engine kick starter and a foot pedal which fits over the free end of the shaft for stowage and slides to the free end of the shaft where it can be pivoted outboard away from the engine to deploy. The shaft includes an offset as necessary to avoid interference by engine-mounted or vehicle mounted parts. A spring-loaded locking pin with one or more alignment plates may be incorporated to provide positive engagement.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of, and claims priority to, copendingU.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 11/657,980 filed Jan.24, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference into thisApplication.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Applicant's slide locking motorcycle kick arm relates to apparatus formanually starting small internal combustion engines.

BACKGROUND

Motorcycle kick arms are used to manually turn the crank of an internalcombustion engine over such that the engine will start. Kick arms arealso commonly used on other vehicles and apparatus with smaller engineswhere battery powered starters are undesirable due to weight, space orcost considerations, such as snowmobiles, all terrain vehicles,scooters, and other apparatus. Kick arms utilize a pedal connected tothe kick arm, which the user actuates to force the kick arm to turn theengine over. Some motorcycles are equipped with electric starters whichperform this function, and some motorcycles have both an electricstarter and the option to start the engine manually by use of a kickarm. Kick arms are currently available but make use of a pedalrotationally connected to the kick arm, which when not in use is pivotedto a storage position. Current kick arm pedals are prone to drift fromthe storage position due to vibration or wind when the motorcycle is inuse. This poses usability and safety problems for the operator of themotorcycle. Thus there is a need for kick arms that prevent the kick armpedal from drifting from the storage position when the motorcycle is inuse or when the kick arm is not in use.

A number of devices have provided motorcycle kick arms, but the art hasnot addressed these problems. The following represents a list of knownrelated art:

Reference: Issued to: Date of Issue: U.S. Pat. No. 3,533,389 Harker Oct.13, 1970

The teachings of each of the above-listed citations (which do not itselfincorporate essential material by reference) are herein incorporated byreference. None of the above inventions and patents, taken eithersingularly or in combination, is seen to describe the slide locking kickarm as claimed. U.S. Pat. No. 3,533,389 to Harker teaches a fairlyconventional layout for a kick arm, where the foot pedal rotates out ofthe way, but is prone to drift due to vibration.

Thus, there is a need for a slide locking kick arm apparatus that stowscompletely out of the way, such that there is no danger of the pedaldrifting out to interfere with the operator. There is also a need for aslide locking kick arm apparatus which can be operated with one hand anddoes not require tools to use. There is also a need for a slide lockingkick arm apparatus which is designed to clear engine air filter andexhaust components. Still other features would be desirable in amotorcycle kick arm, such as the ability to lock or prevent the kick armpedal from drifting from the storage position when not in use.

Thus, while the foregoing body of art indicates it to be well known tohave a motorcycle kick arm, the art described above does not teach orsuggest a motorcycle kick arm which has the desirable feature ofpreventing the kick arm pedal from drifting from the storage positionwhen not in use.

SUMMARY AND ADVANTAGES

A slide locking kick arm comprises a shaft connectable to an engine kickstarter and a foot pedal which fits over the free end of the shaft forstowage and slides to the free end of the shaft where it can be pivotedoutboard away from the engine to deploy. The shaft includes an offset asnecessary to avoid interference by engine-mounted or vehicle mountedparts. A spring-loaded locking pin with one or more alignment plates maybe incorporated to provide positive engagement.

A slide locking kick arm includes a foot pedal, a shaft having a firstend connectable to a kick starter, the shaft including an elongatedportion extending to a free end; first connecting means for connectingthe shaft to an engine kick starter; second connecting means forslidably attaching the foot pedal to the shaft elongated portion, thesecond connecting means including rotating means for rotating the pedalapproximately ninety degrees outboard only when the pedal is movedproximal to the free end; and, locking means for locking the pedal inits outboard rotated position.

A slide locking kick arm includes a shaft having a first portionconnectable to a motorcycle kick starter, a second offset portionextending from the first portion at an angle to prevent interferencewith engine-mounted parts, and a third portion extending from the offsetportion to a free end; and, a foot pedal including a first interiorcavity having a closed end and an open end receiving at least a portionof the shaft third portion therein, and further including a pivotengagement portion slidingly engagable to the shaft third portion alongat least a portion of the length of the shaft third portion andpivotable outboard at a location proximal to the free end of the shaftthird portion.

A slide locking kick arm includes the shaft third portion including anenclosed slot disposed along at least a portion of the shaft third part;and, the pivot engagement portion comprises an axel extendingtransversely through the foot pedal and the enclosed slot.

A slide locking kick arm includes the shaft third portion including afirst channel disposed along at least a portion of the length of theshaft third part; and, the pivot engagement portion comprises a firstbearing projecting into the interior of the foot pedal cavity andengaging the first channel.

A slide locking kick arm includes the shaft third portion furtherincluding a second channel, the first and second channels parallel anddisposed along opposing sides of at least a portion of the length of theshaft third portion; and, the pivot engagement portion furthercomprising a second bearing projecting into the interior of the footpedal cavity and engaging the second channel.

A slide locking kick arm includes the first bearing including a ballbearing and a spring acting on the ball bearing to urge the ball bearinginto the first channel.

A slide locking kick arm includes each of the first and second bearingscomprising a ball bearing and a spring acting on the ball bearing tourge the first and second ball bearings into the first and secondchannels, respectively.

A slide locking kick arm includes wherein each of the ball bearings andsprings is retained within a corresponding hollow insert within a wallof the pedal, each of the hollow inserts including an exterior lip forengaging an interior wall of the pedal, and an internal retaining lipfor retaining the ball bearing against the spring within the hollowinsert.

A slide locking kick arm includes wherein the foot pedal furtherincludes: a locking pin having first and second ends and a locking pinhandle connected to the first end, the locking pin slidably insertablethrough the closed end of the foot pedal through the first cavity andbeyond the first cavity open end; a fixed support plate fixedlyconnected to the locking pin and positioned within the first cavity ofthe foot pedal; a locking pin spring disposed within the first cavityacting between the fixed support plate and the first cavity closed end;and, the kick arm shaft third portion further comprises a first lockingpin receiving hole through the free end extending into the length of theshaft third portion, and a second locking pin locking hole extendingtransversely into the shaft third portion proximal to the shaft thirdportion free end.

A slide locking kick arm includes a sliding support plate slidablyattachable to the locking pin between the fixed support plate and thesecond end of the locking pin.

A slide locking kick arm includes a sliding support plate springextending along the locking pin between the fixed support plate and thesliding support plate.

A slide locking kick arm includes wherein the locking pin handle is aclosed loop.

A slide locking kick arm includes wherein the foot pedal furthercomprises a raised retaining lip extending radially outward from theclosed end of the foot pedal.

A slide locking kick arm includes wherein the foot pedal furtherincludes a treaded outer surface.

A slide locking kick arm includes wherein the foot pedal furthercomprises a second cavity extending from the open end the first cavity,the second cavity comprising: a posterior wall; a posterior lip; twoopposing lateral walls extending from the posterior wall, each of thelateral walls including a penetration for receiving a pivot engagementportion; and, an anterior lip connecting the two lateral walls, theanterior lip located opposite from the posterior lip across the open endof the first cavity; such that, when the foot pedal is extended to thefree end of the shaft third portion, the foot pedal can be rotatedoutboard about the pivot engagement portion, thereby resting theposterior wall against the free end of the shaft third portion, andresting the anterior lip against an exterior surface of the shaft thirdportion, and engaging the shaft third portion free end against theposterior lip.

A slide locking kick arm includes the shaft third portion including anenclosed slot disposed along at least a portion of the shaft third part;and, the pivot engagement portion comprises an axel extendingtransversely through the sidewall penetrations and enclosed slot.

A slide locking kick arm can include a locking pin and locking pinhandle, wherein the locking pin extends from the handle slidably throughthe closed end of the foot pedal, down the length of the first cavity,and partly into the second cavity, a fixed support plate fixedlyconnected to the locking pin, positioned within the first cavity of thefoot pedal, a locking pin spring within the first cavity extending alongthe locking pin between the fixed support plate and the closed end ofthe first cavity, a sliding support plate slidably attachable to thelocking pin between the fixed support plate and the distal end of thelocking pin; and further wherein, the kick arm shaft second part furthercomprises a locking pin receiving hole through the distal endwall and alocking pin locking hole through a sidewall of enclosed slot.

Applicant's motorcycle kick arm for turning over internal combustionengines such that the engine starts, includes an arm attachedperpendicular to the transmission kick shaft, a pedal rotatablyconnected to the kick arm, where said pedal contains a hollow portionsuch that when not in use the pedal can slide over the kick arm so as tobe out of the way and prevent the pedal from drifting during operationof the motorcycle. In one embodiment, the kick arm contains a channelalong the length of the kick arm allowing the pedal to slide into thestorage position where said pedal slides over the kick armlongitudinally and allowing the pedal to slide out of the storageposition and rotate perpendicular to the kick arm such that rotation ofthe kick arm about the kick shaft axis is achieved when the user appliesforce to the pedal. The pedal is secured to the kick arm by a bolt. Inanother embodiment the pedal is secured to the kick arm by a spring andbolt housed internal to the pedal and longitudinal to the kick arm whenthe pedal is in the storage position. The spring applies force to thepedal to keep it in the storage position when not in use.

Applicant's slide locking motorcycle kick arm presents numerousadvantages, including: (1) the ability to secure the pedal in thestorage position and (2) the ability to prevent the pedal from driftingfrom the storage position when not in use. Additional advantages will beset forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will beobvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of theinvention. The advantages of the invention may be realized and attainedby means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointedout in the appended claims. Further benefits and advantages of theembodiments of the invention will become apparent from consideration ofthe following detailed description given with reference to theaccompanying drawings, which specify and show preferred embodiments ofthe present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments ofApplicant's slide locking motorcycle kick arm and, together with thedetailed description, serve to explain the principles andimplementations of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a kick arm shaft of a first embodiment withan enclosed slot.

FIG. 1A shows a side view of a pivot engagement portion axle of a firstembodiment.

FIG. 1B shows a side view of a foot pedal of a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view a foot pedal cavity of a firstembodiment.

FIG. 3 shows a slide locking kick arm of a first embodiment in theengaged position attached to a motorcycle.

FIG. 4 shows a slide locking kick arm of a first embodiment in thecollapsed position attached to a motorcycle.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of a kick arm shaft with side channels of asecond embodiment.

FIG. 5A shows cutaway end-view of a kick arm shaft with side channels ofa second embodiment.

FIG. 5B shows a side view of a foot pedal of a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view a foot pedal cavity of a secondembodiment.

FIG. 6A shows a cutaway side view of a pedal connector of a secondembodiment.

FIG. 7 shows a side view of a kick arm shaft of a third embodiment.

FIG. 7A shows a side view of a pivot engagement portion axle of a thirdembodiment.

FIG. 7B shows an interior side view of a foot pedal with a locking pinmechanism of a third embodiment.

FIG. 7C shows a side view a foot pedal locking pin mechanism of a thirdembodiment.

FIG. 7D shows a cutaway side view of a slide locking kick arm with alocking pin mechanism in the engaged position of a third embodiment.

FIG. 7E shows a cutaway side view of a slide locking kick arm with alocking pin mechanism in the stowed position of a third embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before beginning a detailed description of the subject invention,mention of the following is in order. When appropriate, like referencematerials and characters are used to designate identical, corresponding,or similar components in differing figure drawings. The figure drawingsassociated with this disclosure typically are not drawn with dimensionalaccuracy to scale, i.e., such drawings have been drafted with a focus onclarity of viewing and understanding rather than dimensional accuracy.

In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features of theimplementations described herein are shown and described. It will, ofcourse, be appreciated that in the development of any such actualimplementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be madein order to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliancewith application- and business-related constraints, and that thesespecific goals will vary from one implementation to another and from onedeveloper to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such adevelopment effort might be complex and time-consuming, but wouldnevertheless be a routine undertaking of engineering for those ofordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

The slide locking kick arm is most useful for motorcycles with enginekick starters, but is applicable to similar motorized apparatus whichuse engine kick starters, such as scooters, snowmobiles, and three-wheelor four-wheel all-terrain-vehicles (ATV's). Therefore, where claims read“motorcycle” this term includes scooters, snowmobiles, and ATV's withkick starters.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, a slide locking kick arm includes a kick armshaft 10 having a first portion 12 connectable to an engine kick starteror transmission (T) and an elongated portion 16 extending to a free end80, first connecting means 42 and 46 for connecting shaft 10 to kickstarter T, and a foot pedal 26 slidably attached to elongated shaftportion 16 using pedal engaging means 44 connected through enclosed slot18.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-4, a first embodiment of a slide locking kickarm includes a first portion 12 connectable to an engine starter ortransmission T through opening 46, a second offset portion 14, and athird elongated portion 16 extending from offset portion 14 to a freeend 80. Foot pedal 26 slidingly attachable to the kick arm shaft thirdportion 16 with axel 44. Third portion 16 includes an enclosed slot 18to receive axel 44. As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, foot pedal 26 can bepivoted outboard to a position approximately normal to an engine starterT to accept the foot of an operator when foot pedal 26 is slid to theextended distal position along kick arm shaft 10.

In the embodiment, a slide locking kick arm has a kick arm shaft 10 witha second angled portion 14 connected to an elongated third portion 16with enclosed slot 18, distal end wall 20, distal locking corner 22, anddistal rounded corner 24. Angled portion 14 provides an offsetsufficient that foot pedal 26 will clear air filter F and the motorcycleexhaust components. The required offset varies depending on themotorcycle layout but easily determined by simple measurements. Onmotorcycle models not requiring this offset, offset shaft portion 14 andthird shaft portion 16 can form a continuous straight shaft, or acontinuous straight shaft angled out from connecting end 12.

Foot pedal 26 has a first cavity 30 which is open at one end and closedat the other end. The internal cross section of first cavity 30approximates the cross section of the shaft second part 16, which inthis embodiment is rectangular, to prevent foot pedal 26 from spinning.Other cross section shapes could be used to achieve the same effect,including other polygonal shapes or eccentric cross sections. In theembodiment, first cavity 30 opens to a second open cavity 82 bounded byposterior wall 36, lateral sidewalls 40, posterior lip 34, and anteriorlip 32. Foot pedal 26 preferably includes a retaining lip 28 at theclosed end to prevent the operator's foot from sliding off. Foot pedal26 can also flare out around the opening of the second cavity to preventthe operator's foot from sliding in that direction. Foot pedal 26 caninclude tread hatchings embedded into the exterior surface, oralternatively a slip-resistant material, such as rubber or epoxy“nonskid”, can be applied. In another alternative, a removable rubbertread could be used. Foot pedal attachment means 44 includes axle 44 a,which passes through lateral sidewall holes 38 and enclosed slot 18. Inthe embodiment, axle 44 a is a shoulder bolt held in place by retainingbolt 44 d, with washers 44 b and 44 c providing smooth rotation.Retaining bolt 44 d is preferably a locknut. Different styles of bolts,rivets, or shafts known to those of skill in the art could also be usedto achieve the same results.

In operation, a first embodiment is shown in its collapsed position inFIG. 4, attached to a Harley Davidson™ motorcycle. The slide lockingkick arm is attached to the kick starter T through attachment hole 46using fastener 42. Motorcycles typically use a square shaft to connect akick arm to kick starter T, in order to prevent slip. Foot pedal 26resides vertically, out of the way, enclosing kick arm shaft elongatedthird portion 16. The operator pulls foot pedal 26 vertically to itsextended position, proximal to free end 80, causing axle 44 a to slidewithin enclosed slot 18 until proximal to endwall 20. As shown in FIG.2, foot pedal 26 is then rotated away from the motorcycle to its engagedposition, approximately normal to the motorcycle itself. In thisposition, posterior wall 36 is contacting against distal endwall 20, andposterior lip 34 is locked against distal locking corner 22. Anteriorlip 32 is resting against the exterior wall of enclosed channel 18.Thus, foot pedal 26 is locked in place and can accept the force of anoperator's foot pushing down to crank the motorcycle engine. Distalrounded corner 24 is radiused to allow smooth rotation of foot pedal 26.

Referring to FIGS. 5-6, a second embodiment is shown which is similar inmany respects to the previously described embodiment, but incorporatesside channels 118 rather than an enclosed slot 18. In the embodiment, aslide locking kick arm includes a kick arm shaft 110 which is attachableto a motorcycle kick starter T at first end 112 through hole 146. Shaft110 includes offset portion 114 and elongated third portion 116 with atleast one exterior lateral channel 118 disposed along at least a portionof shaft third portion 116. In the embodiment, first and second parallelchannels 118 are provided on opposing sides for more reliable operation,but a single channel could be used. Additionally, multiple channelscould be provided on a single side or opposing sides of shaft 116,depending on desired operating characteristics and manufacturingconsiderations known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Shaft thirdportion 116 fits snugly within foot pedal first cavity 130 whencollapsed.

Foot pedal 126 is slidingly attached to kick arm shaft 110 using twopivot engagement portions 148 on either side. In the embodiment, pivotengagement portions 148 include ball bearings 148 b contained inround-headed hollow shaft studs with external retaining lips 148 cengaging the internal sidewall 140 of second cavity 182, and internalretaining lips 148 d retaining ball bearings 148 b within the studinsert. The external lips lock the stud against lateral sidewalls 140,while the internal lips retain ball bearing 148 b against spring 148 a.Springs 148 a urge ball bearings 148 b to engage and ride withinchannels 118, while the protrusion of lips 148 c into channels 118prevents foot pedal 126 from coming completely off shaft 116 during use.Lips 148 c can be formed by pressing or by using a rivet gun, bythreading each of pivot engagement portion 148 together from two parts,or other commonly known methods. Side channels 118 are preferablypart-round cross sections to allow smooth operation of ball bearings 148b. Alternatively, pivot engagement portions s could simply consist ofone or more studs or bolts extending into corresponding channels 118 assimple bearings, without ball bearings, to save costs.

In operation, the second embodiment operates similarly to the firstembodiment. The slide locking kick arm is attached to the kick starter Tthrough attachment hole 146 using a fastener. Foot pedal 126 stowsvertically, out of the way, enclosing kick arm shaft third portion 116.The operator pulls foot pedal 126 up vertically from its stowedposition. The operator pulls foot pedal 126 vertically to its extendedposition, causing pivot engagement portions 148, with ball bearings 148b, to slide within opposing side channels 118. Foot pedal 126 is thenpivoted away from the motorcycle to its engaged position, approximatelynormal to the motorcycle itself. In this position, posterior wall 136 iscontacting against distal endwall 120, and posterior lip 134 is lockedagainst distal locking corner 122. Anterior lip 132 is resting againstthe side of shaft 116. Thus, foot pedal 126 is locked in place and canaccept the force of an operator's foot pushing down to crank themotorcycle engine. Distal rounded corner 124 is radiused to allow smoothrotation of foot pedal 126.

Referring to FIGS. 7-7E, a third embodiment is shown. In a thirdembodiment foot pedal 226 is internally similar to the previousdescribed embodiments. Locking pin 250 is provided to ensure the footpedal remains locked in the engaged position during operation by actingthrough locking hole 238 through a sidewall of enclosed channel 218.Locking pin 250 includes a first end 284 and a second end 286, and ahandle 252 connected at first end 284. In the embodiment, locking pinhandle 252 forms a closed loop. A closed loop is easier to grip withfingers than a post, or alternatively the operator could use a smallhook, perhaps kept on a key ring, to grab the pin. Other convenientshapes could be used for handle 252 which are known to those of skill inthe art. Locking pin 250 fits slidingly through the closed end 288 offoot pedal 226, extending through first cavity 230 and partly into thesecond cavity opening out from first cavity 230. Fixed support plate 258is rigidly attached to locking pin 250. Locking pin spring 260 ispositioned between fixed support plate 258 and the closed end of cavity230, while sliding support plate 254 is slidably attached to locking pin250 on the other side of fixed support plate 258, allowing it to travelfreely up and down the length of locking pin 250. In the embodiment, aweak sliding support plate spring 256 is included to ensure slidingplate 254 operates properly during use. Sliding support spring 256should be selected so that the spring force when fully compressed doesnot exceed the weight of foot pedal 226 in order to prevent foot pedal226 from inadvertently lifting. Alternatively, sliding support platespring 256 could be eliminated for simplicity.

In the embodiment, shaft third portion 216 includes a first locking pinreceiving hole 268 extending lengthwise into shaft third portion 216 anda second locking pin receiving hole 262 extending transversely intoshaft third portion 216 proximal to free end 280.

Referring again to FIG. 7E, in the collapsed (i.e. vertical) condition,locking pin 250 extends through distal endwall 220 through first lockingpin receiving hole 268 and extends into enclosed slot 218. Slidingsupport plate 254 rests against distal endwall 220, and locking pinspring 260 is not fully compressed. To engage and lock foot pedal 226,the operator pulls up on locking pin 250, thereby causing fixed supportplate 258 to act against locking pin spring 260 and lift foot pedal 226up, with foot pedal pivot engagement portion axle 244 a sliding withinenclosed channel 218. When axle 244 a reaches the top of enclosedchannel 218 (making contact with distal endwall 220) continued pullingforce on locking pin 250 compresses locking pin spring 260, so thatlocking pin 250 clears first locking pin receiving hole 268 allowingfoot pedal 226 to pivot away from the motorcycle.

When foot pedal 226 is in the engaged position, approximately normal tothe motorcycle, the operator releases locking pin 250, allowing lockingpin spring 260 to force locking pin 250 through second locking pinreceiving hole 262 by acting against fixed support plate 254. As footpedal 226 is lifted, sliding support plate 254 slides down locking pin250 by force of gravity, assisted by sliding support plate spring 256 ifit is present, to ensure locking pin 250 remains properly aligned toengage second locking pin receiving hole 262. Locking pin 250 could alsobe made long enough to pass completely through both sidewalls ofenclosed slot 218 for more support. Posterior wall 236 rests againstdistal endwall 220, anterior lip 232 rests against the side of shaft216, and posterior lip 234 locks distal locking corner 222 in place. Atthis point the operator can put his boot on foot pedal 226, crank theengine, stow foot pedal 226 by reversing the above steps, and ride offinto the sunset, without the possibility that the kick arm pedal willdrift out and catch their leg.

Locking pin 250 can easily be assembled using a shaft with a threadedend. Fixed support plate 258 can be tack welded at the desired position,determined by the desired amount of travel of locking pin 250 andcompression characteristics of locking pin spring 260. Alternativelysupport plate 258 could be glued or pressed in place, or fixed by othermethods known in the art. Locking pin spring 260 can then be placed overthe shaft, which is then inserted into the foot pedal cavity and throughthe closed endwall, at which point handle 252 can be threaded onto theprotruding end of the locking pin shaft. Other methods could also beused.

A locking device can be included to prevent foot pedal 226 frominadvertently being lifted. A locking device would preferably be asimple spring-loaded lever at the open end of foot pedal 226. Thespring-loaded lever includes a hook which engages a raised lip on theside of shaft 216, or a tooth engaging a detent on the side of shaft216. A transverse axle at approximately the midpoint of the lever allowsthe lever to rock, similar to a see-saw. A spring positioned under theupper half of the lever, where the operator's thumb would be positioned,biases the lever to the locked position—i.e. causing the hook or toothto engage the raised lip or detent respectively. By pressing the upperhalf of the lever in, against the spring bias, the hook or tooth isdisengaged, allowing the foot pedal 226 to be extended and engaged.Equivalent devices are known in the art, such as sliding locks,interrupted thread twist locks, and friction locks. The use of a lockingdevice also allows for using a stronger sliding support plate spring256, thereby assisting the operator in lifting foot pedal 226.

A slide locking kick arm shaft is preferably fabricated with stainlesssteel or chrome plated conventional or tool steel for strength,durability, corrosion resistance, and visual appeal. However, a slidelocking kick arm could be made from any material with suitable strengthand toughness characteristics, including aluminum and composites. Thedimensions of a slide locking kick arm can be varied to accommodatedriders of different sizes and different models of motorcycle or othermotorized apparatus using kick starters.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous modifications andchanges may be made to the preferred embodiment without departing fromthe scope of the claimed invention. It will, of course, be understoodthat modifications of the invention, in its various aspects, will beapparent to those skilled in the art, some being apparent only afterstudy, others being matters of routine mechanical, chemical andelectronic design. No single feature, function or property of thepreferred embodiment is essential. Other embodiments are possible, theirspecific designs depending upon the particular application. As such, thescope of the invention should not be limited by the particularembodiments herein described but should be defined only by the appendedclaims and equivalents thereof.

1. A slide locking kick arm, comprising: a foot pedal; a shaft having afirst end portion connectable to a kick starter and an elongated portionextending to a free end; first connecting means for connecting saidshaft to an engine kick starter; second connecting means for slidablyattaching said foot pedal to said shaft elongated portion, said secondconnecting means including rotating means for rotating said pedalapproximately ninety degrees outboard only when said pedal is movedproximal to said free end; and, locking means for locking said pedal inits outboard rotated position.
 2. A slide locking kick arm, comprising:a shaft having a first portion connectable to a motorcycle kick starter,a second offset portion extending from said first portion at an angle toprevent interference with engine-mounted parts, and a third portionextending from said offset portion to a free end; and, a foot pedalincluding a first interior cavity having a closed end and an open endreceiving at least a portion of said shaft third portion therein, andfurther including a pivot engagement portion slidingly engagable to saidshaft third portion along at least a portion of the length of said shaftthird portion and pivotable outboard at a location proximal to the freeend of said shaft third portion.
 3. A slide locking kick arm as in claim2, further comprising: said shaft third portion including an enclosedslot disposed along at least a portion of said shaft third part; and,said pivot engagement portion comprises an axel extending transverselythrough said foot pedal and said enclosed slot.
 4. A slide locking kickarm as in claim 2, further comprising: said shaft third portionincluding a first channel disposed along at least a portion of thelength of said shaft third part; and, said pivot engagement portioncomprises a first bearing projecting into the interior of said footpedal cavity and engaging said first channel.
 5. A slide locking kickarm as in claim 4, further comprising: said shaft third portion furtherincluding a second channel, said first and second channels parallel anddisposed along opposing sides of at least a portion of the length ofsaid shaft third portion; and, said pivot engagement portion furthercomprising a second bearing projecting into the interior of said footpedal cavity and engaging said second channel.
 6. A slide locking kickarm as in claim 4, further comprising: said first bearing including aball bearing and a spring acting on said ball bearing to urge said ballbearing into said first channel.
 7. A slide locking kick arm as in claim5, further comprising: each of said first and second bearings comprisinga ball bearing and a spring acting on said ball bearing to urge saidfirst and second ball bearings into said first and second channels,respectively.
 8. A slide locking kick arm as in claim 6 or 7, furthercomprising: wherein each of said ball bearings and springs is retainedwithin a corresponding hollow insert within a wall of said pedal, eachof said hollow inserts including an exterior lip for engaging aninterior wall of said pedal, and an internal retaining lip for retainingthe ball bearing against the spring within the hollow insert.
 9. Theslide locking kick arm of claim 2, further comprising: wherein said footpedal further includes: a locking pin having first and second ends and alocking pin handle connected to said first end, said locking pinslidably insertable through the closed end of said foot pedal throughsaid first cavity and beyond said first cavity open end; a fixed supportplate fixedly connected to said locking pin and positioned within saidfirst cavity of said foot pedal; a locking pin spring disposed withinsaid first cavity acting between said fixed support plate and said firstcavity closed end; and, said kick arm shaft third portion furthercomprises a first locking pin receiving hole through said free endextending lengthwise into said shaft third portion, and a second lockingpin receiving hole extending transversely into said shaft third portionproximal to said shaft third portion free end.
 10. The slide lockingkick arm of claim 9 further comprising: a sliding support plate slidablyattachable to said locking pin between said fixed support plate and saidsecond end of said locking pin.
 11. The slide locking kick arm of claim10 further comprising: a sliding support plate spring extending alongsaid locking pin between said fixed support plate and said slidingsupport plate.
 12. The slide locking kick arm of claim 9, wherein saidlocking pin handle is a closed loop.
 13. The slide locking kick arm ofclaim 2, wherein said foot pedal further comprises a raised retaininglip extending radially outward from the closed end of said foot pedal.14. The slide locking kick arm of claim 2, wherein said foot pedalfurther includes a treaded outer surface.
 15. A slide locking kick armas in claim 2, further comprising: wherein said foot pedal furthercomprises a second cavity extending from said open end said firstcavity, the second cavity comprising: a posterior wall; a posterior lip;two opposing lateral walls extending from said posterior wall, each ofsaid lateral walls including a penetration for receiving a pivotengagement portion; and, an anterior lip connecting the two lateralwalls, said anterior lip located opposite from said posterior lip acrossthe open end of said first cavity; such that, when said foot pedal isextended to the free end of said shaft third portion, said foot pedalcan be rotated outboard about said pivot engagement portion, therebyresting said posterior wall against the free end of said shaft thirdportion, and resting said anterior lip against an exterior surface ofsaid shaft third portion, and engaging said shaft third portion free endagainst said posterior lip.
 16. The slide locking kick arm of claim 15,further comprising: said shaft third portion including an enclosed slotdisposed along at least a portion of said shaft third part; and, saidpivot engagement portion comprises an axel extending transverselythrough said sidewall penetrations and enclosed slot.